An Investigation of How Superintendents Made Sense of the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual Poster Session: SIG-Research on the Superintendency Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This inquiry sought to provide insight into how superintendents and assistant superintendents made sense of their environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, sense-making theory (Weick, 1995) was utilized as the conceptual framework to bring clarity and meaning-making for educational leaders as they lead their organizations through local, state, national, and international crises. The study concluded the Superintendents made sense of the pandemic through a collaborative process using a political framework. Additionally, superintendents and assistant superintendents saw all students as vulnerable during the pandemic and expressed various negative emotions.

Authors

• Ryan Harris, Greeley Public School District
  Presenting Author

• Barbara Nell Martin, University of Central Missouri
  Presenting Author